Ménière’s Disease

Difficult to diagnose and treat, Ménière’s disease is caused by excessive fluid in the inner ear. Symptoms include attacks of vertigo, severe imbalance, nausea, roaring sounds, and pressure in the ear that can cause hearing damage.

For sufferers of Ménière’s disease, the room seems to spin and rotate, leading to nausea and vomiting. Hearing loss fluctuates, and tinnitus may be variable and sometimes worsen prior to an attack of vertigo.

Ménière’s disease seldom occurs in children and typically affects men and women in their thirties or older. It can be difficult to diagnose, as other conditions such as ear infections, Lyme disease and tumours can produce similar symptoms.

Treatment to reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks may include modification of diet and stress, exercise, medications, and surgery.